STRICTLY Come Dancing was rocked tonight as show hunk Lewis Cope and partner Katya Jones were sensationally axed.
had performed a number of all-time great routines this series and looked nailed on to reach the final.
Lewis Cope has been eliminated from Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA
But he faced tough competition in in a shock dance-off and was eliminated from the competition.
Shirley Ballas could barely speak when the bottom two were revealed, while Lewis had to take a deep breath to compose himself before saying: “What will be, will be.”
West End star Amber was the most unfortunate to be in the bottom two, after her and ‘s Charleston scored a perfect 40.
She accepted the news with a giggle and was more than up to the challenge of dealing with the pressure.
The standard was incredibly high but the judges unanimously saved Amber.
Shirley said: “Both couples upped their number from Saturday night. It was absolutely fantastic. It’s a difficult decision for me because I admire both couples.”
She added he was “heartbroken”.
Anton called hem both “absolutely extraordinary” and said they should both have remained in the competition.
He said Lewis was the best dancer on the show to not make the semi-final.
Viewers were gutted that both were at risk at all.
One fan vented on X: “This is a joke. #Strictly used to be a dancing competition, but the best dancer hasn’t won since Jay McGuiness in 2015 & this is the biggest robbery in Strictly history for me. I’ve watched every ep of every series of this show but I’m done for this series. Devastated honestly.”
Another fumed: “Oh my goodness! I’ve just read your spoiler and I am shocked to the core. That is SO ridiculous that I don’t think I can bring myself to watch another minute of Strictly. I’m out!
A third posted: “So angry at this – two absolutely astounding dancers in the dance off and neither should have gone home. I guess there’s no point watching the rest of the series now though so got some time back there!”
A fourth ranted: “One of the biggest shocks in #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing’s 21 year history. I AM GOBSMACKED!!!!!!“
In a closely fought quarter-final, Lewis tied in second place with Balvinder Sopal and , all three scoring 35.
Show favourite Karen Carney finished just behind, scoring 34 for her Samba.
Karen became the most successful footballer in the show’s history and said: “I just can’t thank everyone enough who gave us the opportunity and for fighting for us.”
It ended a run of five consecutive dance-offs for star Balvinder, a show record, and she looked elated to make it to the semi-final.
She said tonight: “I have to say a huge thank you to everyone who deemed us worth of getting to the semi-final.
“I think we just went out there and gave it our all. Our hearts were on the dancefloor.”
danced a Salsa to the music of West Side Story but it wasn’t as flawless as previous routines.
Motsi Mabuse told him he did a great job, but Shirley Ballas said it wasn’t his best dance.
The head judge said: “There were missed connections and you looked a little bit tight.”
Standing with host Claudia Winkleman, revealed he loved the dance until he heard some of the judges’ comments, but Katya gushed over his energy.
She said: “It’s my motto for life – more is more. I’ve just been looking for a partner who can match me and finally I’ve found one.
“All my life I’ve been told, ‘less Katya, less’. Never! More is more!”
Lewis’s routine wasn’t his best, according to the judgesCredit: PA
Amber Davies scored 40 for her CharlestonCredit: PA
Lewis grinned and added: “More is more!”
However, Lewis still impressed in the scoring, receiving an 8 from Craig and 9 from everyone else.
Earlier in the show, Karen and her partner Carlos performed to The Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity.
Giving her feedback, said: “One spin here was absolutely sensational. That was so difficult and you pulled it off.”
However, professional dancer interrupted the judge by shouting down from the balcony before she was finished her comments.
Motsi turned towards him and shouted: “Neil, you get a partner next year and I’ll be careful what numbers I will be pulling.”
She then held up the number two towards him as the panel laughed off the interruption and Motsi then continued her feedback.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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